Frequency of intimate partner violence history in gynecologic and breast cancers

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been linked to cancer-related well-being. Frequency of IPV and sexual violence among women with cancer by specific cancer site has not been well characterized. Here the frequency of self-reported current and lifetime IPV was estimated among women diagnosed with cancer by primary site and the potential impact of IPV on delaying detection measured as stage at diagnosis. Methods: Women, ages 18 to 79 years, with an incident, primary, biopsy-confirmed cancer were recruited from 2 state cancer registries (Kentucky and North Carolina) within 12 months of their diagnosis (2009-2015). In a phone interview, consenting women reported current and past IPV experiences, current partner interfering behavior (PIB), sociodemographics, and cancer-related well-being indicators. Cancer registries provided stage, site, date of diagnosis, and age. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine whether women experiencing lifetime or current IPV or PIB were more likely to present (1) at a later stage at diagnosis, or (2) with specific cancer sites: cervical/vulvar, endometrial, and ovarian cancer relative to breast cancer. Results: A total of 2,320 women were included in the analysis. Of these, 1,981 had breast cancer, 158 had endometrial cancer, 84 had ovarian cancer, and 97 had cervical or vulvar cancer. Of women with cervical or vulvar cancer, 57.3% disclosed IPV or PIB, which was significantly higher than seen in the breast cancer group (37.2%, P Conclusions: Cervical and vulvar cancer are associated with an increased likelihood of lifetime IPV compared with other gynecologic cancer or breast cancer patients. IPV history is correlated with cancer-related well-being and may be an important determinant of quality of life. Copyright © 2015 Published by Elsevier Inc. Language: en